Local Liberal Democrats Call for Urgent Action on Climate Crisis

East Riding Liberal Democrats Environment Spokesperson, Cllr Phil Redshaw, has warned that current choices will define the future for younger generations as global heating accelerates.

​"The future of our children and grandchildren is being shaped by the choices we make today - with climate change already affecting our lives," Cllr Redshaw stated following his appearance at The People’s Emergency Briefing at Parkway Cinema in Beverley.

​Addressing attendees, Cllr Redshaw highlighted the links between climate breakdown and daily challenges, including food security, NHS resilience, water supplies, housing, and local flooding.

​"The evidence is concerning, but there is also genuine reason for hope. We still have choices, and ambitious action can help build healthier, safer and more resilient communities," he added.

​The Beverley screening is part of a nationwide series uniting constituents, civic leaders, and MPs to examine emergency responses. Additional local showings across East Yorkshire can be found at www.nebriefing.org/screening-map.

While natural factors have historically influenced the planet, human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, have driven climate change since the 1800s. Earth's average surface temperature has climbed approximately 1.44 oC above pre-industrial levels, making the 2015–2024 decade the warmest on record.

​Consequences include intense droughts, wildfires, rising sea levels, flooding, and declining biodiversity. Within the UK, these disruptions threaten economic stability, national security, and critical supply chains.

Campaigners are urging the government to hold a televised emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis, introduced by the Prime Minister and delivered by independent experts, to unlock a wartime-scale response. A parliamentary petition supporting this broadcast is active at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767687#main-content
​Urging residents to engage locally, Cllr Redshaw concluded: "Please join the campaign for meaningful climate action. Talk to others, support practical local solutions and urge our MPs to act. By standing together and turning concern into action, we can make a real difference - for ourselves, our children and generations to come."

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